caseythereader's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thanks to Libro FM for the free advance listening copy of this book.

- The second I finished the audiobook I needed to own my own copy of this incredible book. (And a sidenote that the audio is excellent: separate narrators for Anna and Quan's POV's really helped this audiobook newbie keep track of the plot.)
- It is a romance novel, but it's a HARD one. So many difficult things happen, ranging from family not accepting an autism diagnosis to terminal illness, but Anna and Quan are so tender that it's worth the tears. (Yes, I cried, and I am not a book crier.)
- Hoang is so great at writing multifaceted characters who just need someone to see them for who they are. Oh dear, I'm crying again just thinking about how kindly Quan treats Anna, especially when she doesn't treat herself with kindness. 

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hafsahrai's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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shieldingeffect's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Liked the book but disappointed we didnt get more development from Quan all he seemed to do is give and give and be the patien bf 

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essie__reads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

⚠️This review may contain spoilers!! ⚠️
Please look up content warnings before reading this. A few I would like to point out: mentions of cancer, infertility, care giving for parents, ableism, and parental death. 
End of CW/TW. 



My review:

Like I said before, Helen Hoang is an instant-buy author from me. I love the diversity in her books, and the characters she creates. Her books have a perfect balance of romance and steam, in my opinion. They aren't overly steamy and there is always a solid plot and great character development, outside of just the sexy scenes. 
I found The Heart Principle a little less steamy than her other 2 books, but it placed the same emphasis on relationships and family. It had amazing characters and representation present. 
This book really gives more insight into what it can be like to recieve an ASD diagnosis as an adult, and how it could feel to process and share that news with others.
I loved the dynamics of Quan and Anna's relationship, and how they were able to help each other through their insecurities in the relationship.  
I enjoyed getting to learn Quan's story and more about him. One thing about Helen Hoang's books is that she usually ties in character's from her past books. It was nice to see Stella, Michael, and Khai again, in The Heart Principle. 


The authors note at the end reveals that Anna's story is very personal to Helen and a reflection of her own experiences as a care giver for her Mom. She leaves an important message about making sure care givers are also being taken care of in society, due to their risk of burn out and suicidal ideation. The phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was included. I thought that was a very personal and thoughtful touch to include. 

5/5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I cannot wait to read more by this author!

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